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Gnosis
Gnosis (from the Greek gnosis, "knowledge") is salvific, intuitive and direct knowledge, distinct from rational or doctrinal knowledge. It lies at the heart of Gnosticism, a religious movement that flourished in the first centuries of Christianity (2nd-4th century AD) and was taken up in various forms in later Western esotericism.
Ancient Gnosticism
A heterogeneous religious movement that included several schools (Valentinians, Sethians, Basilidians). It was characterised by: a dualistic vision of the cosmos (light/darkness, spirit/matter), a demiurge as creator inferior to the true God, a divine spark within the human being, salvation through direct knowledge of one s "divine self". The main gnostic texts (Gospel of Thomas, Gospel of Philip) were rediscovered at Nag Hammadi in 1945.
Legacy
Gnosticism was condemned as heresy by the early Church but continued to influence esoteric currents: medieval Cathars, Christian kabbalah, 20th-century theosophy. In a broader sense, "gnosis" today indicates any experiential and initiatic knowledge of the divine or of the deep self.
FAQ
Are gnostics Christians?
Ancient gnostics had strong Christian elements but were considered heretics by the official Church. Non-Christian gnostics also exist (Mandaeism).
What is gnostic "knowledge"?
Not an intellectual notion, but a direct experience of the divine and of one s spiritual nature. For the gnostics this experience is salvific.
Can it be practised today?
Contemporary gnostic movements exist (Ecclesia Gnostica) as well as esoteric currents inspired by gnosis. They are minority but lively phenomena.